THE POPE’S ENCYCLICAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 19

THE POPE’S ENCYCLICAL.

ROME, December 22. The Pope has addressed an encyclical to the Roman Catholic bishops, pointing out the necessity for the reconstruction of society and the restoration of peace throughout the world. He expresses joy that all nations except Italy now have friendly relations with the Holy See. He announced that he will probably call a great meeting of the episcopal world at Rome during the approaching jubilee year, which will be a continuation of the Ecumenical Council held at the Vatican in 1870. His Holiness hopes that all who are still outside the Church of Christ may enter it. He eavs that this hope is encouraged by almost all the States of the world having entered into relations with the Apostolic See. He regrets that his country, which is the centre of the Papacy, is not represented. He protests against the Papal situation in Italy, and says that Italy has nothing to fear from the Holy See. His Holiness condemns divorce and imnroper dances and fashions. LONDON, December 26. The Pope’s encyclical letter says : “Into the sweet sanctuary of the family the germ of dissolution has penetrated. Fostered by war. it has caused increased immorality.” The Pope deplores the spread of morbid restlessness among people of all ages, and that modesty in women and girls has been trampled underfoot by looseness in dressing, talking, and dancing. “Unseemly dances, with open insult to some and misery to others, are often rendered more provoking bv the all too frequent ostentation and impudence of those whom sudden gains have enriched but not improved.”